Agricultural dry chemical tube and delivery system

ABSTRACT

A dry chemical delivery tube and its surrounding nutrient applicator system are located in a narrow space in a soil working implement in an agricultural setting. Between an inlet end and an outlet end, the chemical delivery tube transitions from a circular cross section to an oval cross section. In one embodiment, the soil working implement includes soil opening/closing disks and liquid or gaseous delivery tubes that closely surround the chemical delivery tube.

This patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 62/045,861, filed Sep. 4, 2014, and titled,AGRICULTURAL DRY CHEMICAL TUBE SYSTEM, the contents of which areincorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

This disclosure relates generally to agricultural applicator machineshaving associated dispensers that deposit dry fertilizer and otherchemicals in the soil.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Different types of fertilizers, herbicides and other chemical compoundsare delivered to crops, plants and trees in a dry granular (solid),liquid and/or gaseous form. When it comes to dry chemicals, it isdifficult position the delivery system in a compact space in order toquickly and cheaply deliver the chemicals at an optimal depth along withdelivering other chemicals or plant seeds and along with performingother tasks (e.g. tilling the soil). Dry chemical delivery methods alsogenerally cannot be mixed with liquid chemical delivery methods becausechemicals having different phases of matter differ in particle size,transport and flow methods in a delivery chute. Additionally, differenttypes of dry chemicals or different types of liquid chemicals may alsoneed to be processed or released separately if the different chemicalsinteract undesirably when mixed together.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Example embodiments include a vehicle having a chemical dispenser systemthat distributes dry fertilizers, nutrients, herbicides and otheragricultural substances through a delivery tube to the soil or furrow insoil. In one version, the delivery tube includes a circular crosssection in an upper section of the tube, which becomes an oval crosssection in an adjacent section nearer to the soil. The tube is locatedfollowing a soil boot or scraper. Alternatively, the tube is coupled tothe frame of the chemical dispenser system, or the tube is attached to amounting plate of a soil opening/closing system. Other features andembodiments are disclosed in the detailed description, accompanyingdrawings and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The details of one or more implementations are set forth in theaccompanying example drawings, the description and claims below.

FIG. 1 depicts a side view of an example towed chemical hopper andchemical delivery system.

FIG. 1A depicts an example gang of the chemical delivery systems shownin FIG. 1.

FIG. 2 depicts a side view of an example chemical delivery system havinga soil opener, delivery tubes and soil closer.

FIG. 3 depicts a partially-exploded view of an example chemical deliverysystem having a soil opener, delivery tubes and soil closer.

FIG. 4 depicts a top view of part of an example chemical deliverysystem.

FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of an example chemical delivery tube.

FIG. 6A depicts a top side view of an example chemical delivery tube,along with the dimensions and curvature of the tube.

FIG. 6B depicts a side view of an example chemical delivery tube, alongwith the dimensions and curvature of the tube.

FIG. 7 depicts a side view of part of another example chemical deliverysystem.

FIG. 8 depicts a side view of part of another example chemical deliverysystem.

FIG. 9 depicts a side view of part of another example chemical deliverysystem.

FIG. 10 depicts a side view of part of another example chemical deliverysystem.

FIG. 11 depicts a rear view of the example chemical delivery system ofFIG. 10.

FIG. 12 depicts a side view of part of another example chemical deliverysystem.

FIG. 13 depicts a side view of part of another example chemical deliverysystem.

FIG. 14 depicts a side view of part of another example chemical deliverysystem.

FIG. 15 depicts a side view of part of another example chemical deliverysystem.

FIG. 16 depicts a side view of part of another example chemical deliverysystem.

FIG. 17 depicts a side view of part of another example chemical deliverysystem.

FIG. 18 depicts a side view of part of another example chemical deliverysystem.

FIG. 19 depicts a side view of part of another example chemical deliverysystem.

FIG. 20 depicts a side view of part of another example chemical deliverysystem.

FIG. 21 depicts a side view of part of another example chemical deliverysystem.

FIG. 22 depicts an upper portion of an example delivery tube made of acomposite or polymer material.

FIG. 23 depicts a lower portion of an example delivery tube made of acomposite or polymer material.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of a dry chemical delivery system are described; the systemincludes a chemical delivery tube that fits and conforms to the narrow,tight space among disks, delivery hoses and other surrounding equipmenton an agricultural implement. The shape and position of the dry chemicaldelivery tube also enhance delivery flow and crop-yield. In someexamples, both the dry and liquid/gas chemical delivery (for nutrients,herbicide) tubes are located as closely as possible, which tends toenhance crop yields and at least avoids having to make two deliverypasses over the field. The delivery tubes follow disks or cutting toolsthat first open the soil before the chemical delivery occurs. In someembodiments, the delivery is performed after a cleaning scraper actionon the soil opening disk/blade so that residue and mud are less likelyto build up and clog the tube outlets or prevent proper soil closureover the delivered chemicals. These features may be more important fordry chemicals because unlike liquids and gases, dry chemicals cannotseep through residue buildup. The dry chemical delivery system may beused in conjunction with seeding, tillage, forestry, or even innon-agricultural arrangements such as in construction where compoundsare delivered and mixed together.

In some embodiments, an agricultural machine such as a seeder, tillageimplement or chemical delivery system includes a frame, at least onesoil opener disk mounted to a disk gang or to a frame of theagricultural machine, and chemical delivery tubes. The soil opener diskis adjacent to or followed by a boot blade or scraper relative to thetravel direction, and at least one chemical delivery tube or cylinder ismounted on the soil opening frame or located just behind the bootrelative to the travel direction. The largest chemical delivery tubesuch as for dispensing solid chemicals (“chemical tube”) is mounted onthe soil opening frame or is positioned following the boot or disk andin some cases also positioned following other tubes that deliverliquids, gases or solids. The boot blade may include a recess at a lowertrailing edge of the blade. The recess at least partially surroundsother types of delivery liquid/gas tubes (e.g. liquid or gaseousanhydrous ammonia tube).

In some embodiments, the chemical delivery tube is circular in crosssection in one section (e.g. upper portion) of the tube and becomes ovalin cross section in an adjacent section of the tube (e.g. the end wherethe chemical is released). The circular cross section has uniformradius. The circular input aids gravitational flow of the chemicals, butat the point of delivery, placement is more precise if the tube isshaped as an oval or as a funnel with a pointed spout to guide thechemicals. The curved profile and shape of the tube allows for it tofit, and be positioned and mounted within the confines of the gaugewheel, closing wheels and mounting structures of the agricultural unit(e.g., cultivator, seeder, nutrient applicator) and provide an efficientpathway for the chemical to be placed in the furrow at a desired depthand location relative to the soil opener disk and boot/scraper. Otherreasons for confining the various tubes in one area include simultaneousor quick-successive delivery of different chemicals and then quicklycovering the deposited chemicals with soil so that little escapes.

FIG. 1 depicts a side view of an example of an applicator system 80 thatis towed by a vehicle such as a tractor or a seed planter moving in atravel direction 60. Applicator system 80 includes an implement frame 50with wheels, directly (e.g. welded or bolted) or indirectly (e.g.temporarily hitched) attached to a chemical delivery system 10 havingchemical tubes (e.g. 120) and a soil opener/closing system 40 at thelower portion of system 10, and then also to a chemical hopper 20system. When filled, the chemical hopper 20 contains chemicals 22 suchas fertilizer and is mounted on top of a platform 25 having two cartwheels 27; the platform 25 can be hitched to the implement frame 50.Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 1, the platform 25 is integrated as oneframe with the application implement frame 50; nuts/bolts/screws orwelding connect the parallel bars 31 (parallel to travel direction 60)of the platform 25 to the two ranks or horizontal bars 54 (perpendicularto direction 60) of the frame 50. A large round cart wheel 27 is mountedto an outer end of the suspension and axle underneath the platform 25;the two cart wheels 27 provide smooth level support to the hopper 20.When filled with chemicals, large hoppers 20 become very heavy andcompress the soil underneath the applicator system 80. But thelarge-diameter (e.g. >3 ft), wide round cart wheel 27 distributes theweight and reduces the compaction. Although not shown, track type wheels(e.g. tracks or tank wheels) are another option to distribute the weightand they can be designed to leave a smaller footprint than pneumaticcart wheels 27. Depending on the soil and terrain, either the tracks orthe large round cart wheels 27 are dismountable and serve as “spares”similar to spare tires for automobiles.

In FIG. 1, the chemical delivery system 10 also includes distributionconduits 30 and hydraulics located above the ground-working equipment: asoil open/closer system 40 that includes tubes, dry chemical tubes 120and wet chemical tubes (“wet fertilizer tube” 140, which may be achemical other than fertilizer). The chemical tubes 120 and open/closersystem 40 are attached to the lower end of the implement frame 50, whichis sometimes part of a nutrient applicator machine in the agriculturalindustry. In the cross section portrayal of FIG. 1, only one chemicaldelivery system 10 and opener/closer 40 are shown, but usually there isa gang row of them as shown in FIG. 1A. FIG. 1A depicts a top view ofFIG. 1, showing a gang of chemical delivery systems 10 that are mountedto two ranks or horizontal bars 54 so that the delivery systems 10,chemical tubes (e.g. 120) and a soil opener/closing system 40, andchemical tubes 120 are respectively parallel to one another. The ranksor horizontal bars 54 are an integral part of or are attached (e.g.welded or bolted) to the implement frame 50. In many examples, the fullwidth of the applicator system 80 ranges from 35 ft to 60 ft, and thechemical delivery systems 10 are spaced approximately 2 ft to 3 ftapart, but these ranges and spacing are adjustable to suit the crop rowspacing.

As an alternative to what is shown in FIG. 1 or 1A, there is also atillage implement such as a cultivator between the vehicle and theapplicator system 80 or chemical delivery system 10. The width of atillage implement is often in the range of 65-75 feet, which alsocorrelates with the width of the chemical delivery system 10 so thatthey may be compatibly used together. The addition of a tillageimplement still allows the entire system 80 to travel in varying residuetypes and soil conditions, till, fertilize and move up to 5-15 mph.

FIG. 2 depicts a side view of an example soil opener/closer system 40that is coupled to a soil opener disk 100, delivery tubes (120, 140),and two varieties of soil closing disks 114. The soil opener disk 100opens a trench in the soil in which one or more selected phases ofchemicals are deposited (e.g., dry, liquid and/or gaseous fertilizer).Control of the chemical application is performed partly through the useof implement height sensors and travel speed monitoring (speedometer ofthe vehicle). The height sensors are mounted to the implement frame 50of the agricultural implement. The sensors communicate through protocolssuch as CAN-bus with a centralized computer or micro-controller thatcontrols the height of the implement frame 50 towing the chemicalapplication (e.g. chemical tubes 120) or the height of the componentsattached to the implement frame 50 or to the opener/closer system 40.Height adjustment raises and lowers system 40 so that the opener disk100 cuts below the soil surface 66, down to a few or several inches tothe opener disk depth 56. The optimal height depends on the types ofchemicals that are deposited, the type of soil, type of crop, and so on.In other embodiments, height adjustment is achieved hydraulically or bymechanical changes (e.g. tension adjuster or lever setting) to the downpressure on the entire implement frame 50 or to individual depthadjusters 104 or to components such as the chemical tube 120. Forexample, an operator can manually adjust valves or ratchet the depthadjuster 104 to obtain the desired pressure and corresponding depthsetting. Or, an operator can use an automated down pressure monitor withfeedback that checks the height of the gauge wheel 106 and whether itmakes contact with the soil surface 66 to adjust a depth on the fly.Under any of these ways, the opener disk 100 creates a furrow or trenchat a depth that is based on the down pressure used to adjust the heightof the frame members (e.g. 52, 110), the compression of the coil spring102, and the depth adjuster 104 of the chemical applicator. The resultis that the outlets of the chemical tubes 120 or fertilizer tubes 140move closer or farther from the soil. Metering of the chemicalapplication and determination of the rate of chemical release areconducted by a computer or a micro-controller in the vehicle or underthe control of the operator. After dry chemicals (e.g. 22) or liquids(e.g. anhydrous ammonia) are released into the soil, the closing disks114 push the soil back over the furrow created by the opener disk 100.In the example of FIG. 2, the angle setting or depth setting of theclosing disks 114 may be manually revised by turning the closing wheeltension adjuster 108. Proper closing ensures the nutrients get to theseeds and plants rather than be blown away by the wind.

In one example embodiment, the soil opener/closer system 40 of FIG. 2includes an implement frame bar 51 that is connected to a common toolbar 54 that gangs together a number of opener/closer systems 40. Toolbar 54 and frame bar 51 couple system 40 to the implement frame 50,which in turn is coupled to a vehicle or tillage vehicle such as anagricultural tractor or cultivator, respectively. For example, the toolbar 54 is coupled to an agricultural tractor using a 3-point hitchassembly to the implement frame 50. Alternatively, tool bar 54 iscoupled to transport wheel assemblies. In some embodiments, thetransport wheels' speed is monitored or the wheels provide ground driveto supply chemicals 22 at a selected rate. The frame bar 51 is coupledto a linkage which is biased in a downward direction with a compressioncoil spring 102 wrapped around the linkage. A quick-adjust depthadjuster 104 moves the vertical orientation of the gauge wheel 106relative to soil opener disk 100 to adjust the cutting depth into thesoil; the soil opener disk 100 creates a furrow. In various embodiments,the soil opener disk 100 is planar with respect to, or has a convex orconcave shape relative to the vehicle travel direction 60. The choice ofthe design for the opening disks 100 depends on the end-use and on theterrain. In the example of FIG. 2, there is a boot or scraper or bootblade 150 (all referenced as 150) that is used for cleaning or forcutting. The side of the boot/scraper 150 that is adjacent (parallel) tothe soil opener disk 100 is positioned at an angle and pressed againstthe soil opener disk 100 close enough for a scraping operation (e.g. toremove residue or mud from the soil opener disk). Soil opener disk 100is oriented at an angle of between 4 to 8 degrees relative to the traveldirection, but may also be at a different orientation (e.g. FIG. 4).Although the figures (e.g. FIGS. 2 and 3) depict the boot 150 aspressing against a soil opener disk 100 in order to clean the disk, inother embodiments or where the soil is sandy, the boot 150 may not needto scrape the soil opener disk 100. Rather, the boot 150 is behind alarge soil cutter in order that the knife edge of the boot 150 cuts arefined, narrow trench or furrow in the ground.

FIG. 3 depicts a partially exploded view of an example opener/closersystem 40 having a soil opener disk 100, delivery tubes and soil closerdisks 114. The opener/closer system 40 is mounted to and towed by a partof the frame 50 (implement frame bar 51) of the agricultural machine(e.g. tractor, seeder). In the example of FIG. 3, the chemical tube 120with large diameter (e.g. dry fertilizer tube) is mounted to a rearframe member 52 of the agricultural implement and inside a yoke 116 thatshares a common axis with the gauge wheel 106 and frame member 52 of theagricultural machine. Near the middle of the chemical tube 120, there isconnector (e.g. bolt, hinge) where the tube 120 is attached to aU-shaped yoke 116 and where the connector aligns with the axis of thegauge wheel 106. The U-shaped yoke 116 is attached to the agriculturalmachine's frame member 52, to which the boot 150 is also attached. Anupper end of the frame member 52 is welded to or formed with the framebar 51 and frame 50 of the agricultural machine. In the configuration ofFIG. 3, the chemical tube 120 has a pivotal degree of freedom so thatfor example with the aid of terrain sensors, the angle of the chemicaltube 120 is adjustable by operator command to conform with the terrainor the soil profile, physical conditions and so on. In addition theframe member 52 moves up and down vertically so that the chemical tube120 also moves up and down to better or more precisely position wherethe chemicals are delivered for a particular terrain and location. Inone example, the boot 150 is positioned behind soil opener disk 100relative to travel direction, and extends slightly past the frontalprofile of soil opener disk 100 to slightly widen the trench formed inthe soil by soil opener disk 100, which also aids delivery of thechemicals.

In example embodiments such as in FIG. 3, the chemical tube 120 ismounted to a rear extension of the boot/scraper 150. The chemical tube120 itself or the boot 150 includes a tube mounting plate (e.g. 126,154), providing pivotal coupling with the frame 50. In other exampleembodiments, the chemical tube 120 is mounted in an external rear of theimplement frame 50, more outside (e.g. FIGS. 14, 18) rather than beingtightly nestled within a middle section of delivery system 10. In FIG.3, the boot 150 also includes a plurality of other mounting features(e.g. the depicted tube mounting plate 154) allowing attachment with oneor more other chemical tubes 120. The chemical tube 120 is either weldedto or formed together with or bolted onto the tube mounting plate 154.Other tubes such as the anhydrous ammonia tube (wet fertilizer tube 140)are also mounted to the boot/scraper 150. Alternatively, smaller tubessuch as 140 are mounted parallel to or even onto chemical tube 120. InFIG. 3, the wet fertilizer tube 140 is optionally oriented between 30 tominus 30 degrees from vertical so that its outlet 142 may be positionedeither close to the chemical tube outlet 122 or farther away. Wetfertilizer tube 140 has a beveled outlet 142, angled so that the liquidfertilizer discharges in a direction away from the opener disk 100 andtowards the soil and walls of the ground trench formed by boot 150 forquick absorption into the soil.

For the embodiment of delivery tubes shown in FIG. 3, there is anexample mounting bracket 154 that includes a pair of mounting holes tohelp attach one or more tubes to the rest of the applicator system 80for selective or collective application of dry, liquid and/or gaseouschemicals. In this example of FIG. 3, two or more mounting holes areprovided for secure attachment or so that the tube(s) would not pivot orotherwise move when attached to the boot 150. In other examples,mounting features include a different number of holes or configuration(e.g. brace) for securing the tubes to the boot 150. In some examples,the chemical tube 120 is arranged on an open part (e.g. opener framemember 110) of the opener/closer system 40 with a mounting plate thatcontains inserts or openings so as to allow the chemical tube 120 to befastened to the plate near the soil opener disk 100, boot 150 or closingdisk arrangement. Multiple slots in the plate of the arrangement allowfor some adjustment of the chemical tube 120 so as to locate the tubeoutlet 122 at an optimum position or angle in relation to the otherchemical tubes 120 or fertilizer tube 140 such as near the trailing endof the boot tail 152 that is used for anhydrous ammonia purposes. InFIG. 3, the boot tail 152 is depicted as being fan or paddle shaped,which prevents the gas from anhydrous ammonia from rising and escaping.The fan width is also larger than the diameter of the chemical tubeoutlet 122, which helps maintain a clear path for the release of the drychemicals from chemical tube 120.

In other embodiments, the chemical tube 120 does not have a mountingplate. Instead for example, the tube 120 is directly welded to a framemember (e.g. 110) of the chemical delivery system 10 or theopener/closer system 40; alternatively, the chemical tube 120 has (isformed with) a small flat surface or small plate that eases welding thetube 120 itself to the rear frame member 110 or extensions of the frame.The chemical tube 120 or its outlet 122 is placed near or adjacent toother chemical or fertilizer tubes 120, 140 that deliver liquids orother chemicals. Again, the chemical tube(s) 120 follow a soil boot 150or other soil cutter or opener since a furrow is created beforechemicals are injected into the soil furrow. The chemical tube 120 fordry materials is curved following the shape of the back and rear edge ofthe soil boot 150 or soil cutter in order to fit into the availablespace and to save space.

In the example of FIG. 3, the upper part (inlet 124) of the chemicaltube 120 is inserted in a hose and hose clamp 139 or a loop that servesas a hose clamp 139 for hoses or tubes that deliver chemicals to thechemical tube 120. The hose is coupled to the chemical hopper 20 viatubes (e.g. distribution conduits 30) and manifolds connected to orcoupled to an air combiner underneath the hopper 20. Alternatively, thechemical tube inlet 124 is connected to an outlet conduit of a dryfertilizer distribution system, utilizing a metering and conveyancesystem. In some embodiments, the chemical tube inlet 124 is circular incross section with an uniform radius to better mate the chemical tube120 to commercial hose clamps, hoses and distribution conduits 30 thattend to be also circular in cross section. In a two-dimensional drawing,the chemical tube outlet 122 is oval or an ellipse such that the majoraxis is at an angle with respect to the soil surface 66 and the minoraxis follows the soil. That is, the pointy part of the oval is draggedor touching the soil so as to deliver the chemicals in a more narrowfurrow or in a more precise location of the soil. Alternatively, thechemical tube outlet 122 has a pointed spout shaped output and the apexof the pointed spout is positioned closest to the soil surface in orderto release the chemicals in a localized area. The sigmoid or partialsigmoid curvature (S-shape) of the chemical tube 120 fits the limitedavailable space in the opener/closer system 40, following an efficientpathway to a desired location in a furrow created by the tillageimplement. For example, the diameter of the chemical tube 120 is narrowenough to be free from contact with the yoke 116; and the curvature ofthe chemical tube 120 leaves room for other tubes and is clear of thesoil opener disk 100 or closing disks 114. Most embodiments of the hose,the chemical tube 120 and the sections of the chemical tube 120 aregenerally positioned vertically or at least more than 45 degrees fromthe horizontal soil surface 66 so that material would drop down undergravitational force and would not get clogged in the tube 120. Forexample, the sigmoid curvature does not include horizontal sections.Alternatively, air is blown into the hose and tube sections so that theparticles, especially dry chemicals, do not get clumped or clogged whiletraveling toward the chemical tube outlet 122.

FIG. 4 depicts a top view of an example opener/closer system 40. Theinlet 124 and outlet 122 of the chemical tube 120 (e.g. dry fertilizertube) are visible in the top view. The chemical tube 120 is adjacent toan opener disk 100 and gauge wheel 106. The axis of the chemical tube120 is approximately 10-15 degrees relative the plane of the opener disk100 or the plane of the gauge wheel 106. The chemical tube outlet 122 isaligned following the soil opener disk 100 so that the chemicals arereleased in the furrow created by the soil opener disk 100.Alternatively, the chemical tube outlet 122 is aligned following theblade of the boot soil cutter if the boot 150 does not perform ascraping action. The boot soil cutter creates a narrow trench and thechemical tube outlet 122 diameter or pointy lip of the chemical tubeoutlet 122 matches the width of the trench so as to optimally placechemicals in the trench.

In the example of FIG. 4, the boot 150 includes a scraper positionednear the leading edge of opener disk 100, adjacent the trench side ofopener disk 100. The scraper has a contour closely matching with thetrench side of opener disk 100 to scrape mud and debris from the trenchside of the opener disk 100. The boot 150 also includes mountingconnectors that allows one or more selected tubes (e.g. the tubes withsmaller diameters) to be optionally mounted to the boot 150. The boot150 includes a recess at the lower trailing edge that at least partiallysurrounds the tubes. The recess protects the smaller tubes from becomingdislodged or damaged during operation. The recess has a generallyL-shaped configuration surrounding the tubes on a leading edge of thefertilizer tube and an opener disk 100 side of the smaller tubes.

FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of an example embodiment of a chemicaltube 120. It has a chemical tube inlet 124 where the cross section iscircular. Approximately 15%-25% of the tube has a circular crosssection. Alternatively, the length of the circular section is determinedby the size (length) of the hose or other tube to which the chemicaltube inlet 124 is mated. A good fit is made using hose clamps to securethe chemical delivery tube 120 to the hose or other tube. In theperspective side view of FIG. 5, the chemical tube 120 then flares out,or the cross section of the chemical tube 120 becomes oval or ellipse inshape as seen from the side parallel to the major axis (larger diameterside view). The section of the chemical tube 120 having an oval crosssection is curved S-shape in this example and the lip of the chemicaltube outlet 122 is tilted upward with respect to the horizontal line, asshown in FIG. 5.

In FIG. 5, the chemical tube 120 is welded to or formed with a tubemounting plate 126 that is rectangular in this example. The tubemounting plate 126 is flat and placed against another generally flatsurface such as a boot 150 or frame member 110 of the chemical deliverysystem 10 or opener/closer system 40. The tube mounting plate 126 hasholes or slots or openings 128 where bolts or other fasteners areplaced. A separate tube mounting bracket 130 has apertures 132 that mateto the holes 128 of the tube mounting plate 126. When mounted to theopener/closer system 40, the chemical tube 120 is sandwiched between thetube mounting plate 126 and the tube mounting bracket 130. Screws, boltsor other fasteners 134 clamp the chemical tube 120 to the tube mountingplate 126 and to the surface that the mounting plate 126 contacts. Inthe example of FIG. 5, the tube mounting bracket 130 has a hook, crookand extensions (with additional fastener slots) that mate to the surfacestructure where the chemical tube 120 is mounted. The hook, crook andextensions further secure (box in) the chemical tube 120 to a desiredlocation as the tillage implement rides and travels over sometimes roughterrain.

FIGS. 6B and 6A depicts side and top views, respectively, of the examplechemical delivery tube 120 of FIG. 5, along with the dimensions andcurvature of the tube. The chemical tube 120 has a circular crosssection at the inlet 124, with an outer diameter of 31 to 33 mm,centered on 32 mm. The chemical tube 120 has an ellipse cross section atthe outlet end 122, having a major axis diameter of about 36-37 mm and aminor axis diameter of about 23-24 mm. The length of the chemical tube120 is about 149-151 mm where the flaring or swedging begins. The tube120 is straight for about 214-216 mm, when it starts to curve downward(“downward” in FIG. 6B). The angle of curvature from the straightsection to the downward section is about 48 degrees, or 47-49 degreesfrom vertical (with respect to the page). The downward curve section hasa 25 mm section where the perimeter of the chemical tube 120 is vertical(with respect to the page). Below the 25 mm section, the chemical tube120 starts to inflect upwards at an angle of 144-146 degrees withrespect to vertical (or about 36 degrees with respect to vertical); thechemical tube outlet 122 has an upward inflection at the lip of about54-55 degrees with respect to a horizontal axis. The entire length ofthe chemical tube 120 is 384-386 mm. Alternatively, in FIG. 6B if thetube 120 were straightened, the entire length of the tube 120 is about655-705 mm. By contrast, in FIG. 6B, the tip-to-tip length (upper tip tolowermost tip) of the tube 120 is about 560 to 562 mm plus or minusmanufacturing errors. The height of the tube 120 in the orientationdepicted in FIG. 6A is about 530-540 mm. The thickness of the tube 120is approximately 4 to 5 mm. The dimensions assume a manufacturingprecision of about ±1 mm (one sigma); if the precision is worse, therange of the dimensions is wider. The large diameter of the chemicaltube 120 permits the flow of solid chemicals such as crystallinehigh-nitrogen fertilizers. If the chemicals crystallize and clump to thechemical tube 120, the large diameter also permits easy cleaning andflushing of the tube 120. As such, some embodiments of the tube 120 havediameters larger than the values listed. The dimensions of the tube 120sets the scale of the narrow spacing in which the tube 120 fits.

Various embodiments of the example chemical tubes 120 are made ofstainless steel; alternatively, they are made from alloys, aluminum,low-carbon steel, heat-treated high-carbon steel, carbon fiber, PVC(vinyl chloride), CPVC, and so on. The chemical tube 120 is formed froma tube having a circular cross section, then part way along the tube, itis swedged from being circular to an oval or ellipse in cross section.In a two-dimensional side profile, the tube 120 flares out. Alternativeto swedging, the metal (e.g. low-carbon steel) is work hardened or coldformed so as to strengthen the metal by plastic deformation. As anotheralternative, the shaped of the chemical tube 120 is achieved byhydroforming. For example, to hydroform an alloy into the agriculturalimplement's frame rail, a hollow tube of the alloy is placed inside anegative mold that has the shape of the desired result. High pressurehydraulic pumps then inject fluid at very high pressure inside the alloytube, which causes the tube to expand until it matches the mold. Thehydroformed alloy is then removed from the mold. If the material isplastic, fiber or a composite, injection molding one method of makingthe tube 120. Injection molded plastics are light weight and do notrust; examples include those depicted in FIGS. 22 and 23 As 3-d printingbecomes more cost effective, this is another way to manufacture thechemical tubes 120. For example, direct metal printers create chemicallypure, fully dense metal parts, and they deliver accuracy compatible withEN ISO 2768 (fine) machining tolerances and a repeatability of about 20microns in all three axes (x-y-z directions). Printable materialsinclude stainless steel, tool steel, super alloys, non-ferrous alloys,precious metals and alumina. Unlike metal, if the chemical tube 120 ismade of PVC, PVC-type pipes can be made from injection molding, 3-Dprinting, and be heat treated to alter its shape or be heat fused toother objects.

FIG. 7 depicts a side view of another embodiment of an opener/closersystem 40 having a soil opener disk 100 (not shown), boot or scraperblade 150, delivery tubes (e.g. 120), and soil closing disks 114. Thechemical tube 120 is curved so that its lower section is nearlyperpendicular to the surface of the ground. The lower outlet lip 122 ofthe chemical tube 120 is parallel to the surface of the ground. Theupper part of the chemical tube 120 is vertical and then the tube 120 isbent in a shape of an arc before meeting the mid to lower section oftube 120. The chemical tube 120 is located behind a soil boot blade 150(opposite the direction of vehicle travel 60). The chemical tube 120 ismounted or welded to either a frame member 110, the depth adjuster 104,the yoke 116, or a rear extension of the boot 150. In this examplefigure, the closing disk is lowered down relative to the soil boot blade150 and chemical tube 120. In operation, the chemical tube 120 releasessolid chemicals from above the soil surface as shown in FIG. 7.Alternatively, the chemical tube 120 is lowered down to the soil surfaceor below the soil surface. In some embodiments, the lowering isperformed by electronic command or manual levers. In this example, otherdelivery tubes (e.g. for anhydrous ammonia, wet chemicals, or othertypes of solid chemicals) are positioned between the chemical tube 120and the boot blade 150.

FIG. 8 depicts a side view of another example opener/closer system 40having a soil opener disk 100 (not shown), boot or scraper blade 150,delivery tubes (e.g. 120), and soil closing disks 114. The chemical tube120 is curved, having a long section that is approximately 50 to 60degrees from the horizontal, and then curving to a lower section isnearly vertical with respect to the surface of the ground. The loweroutlet lip 122 of the chemical tube 120 is at 45 to 50 degree edgerelative to the surface of the ground. The outlet lip 122 comes to apoint on the side near other chemical tubes 120 and the scraper blade.The upper part of the chemical tube 120 is vertical and then the tube120 is bent in a shape of an arc before meeting the mid to lower sectionof tube 120. The chemical tube 120 is located behind a soil boot blade150 (opposite the direction of vehicle travel 60). The chemical tube 120is welded to or mounted to either a rear frame member 110, the depthadjuster 104, the yoke 116, or a rear extension of the boot 150. In thisexample figure, the closing disk happens to be lowered down relative tothe soil boot blade 150 and chemical tube 120. In operation, thechemical tube 120 releases solid chemicals from above the soil surfaceas shown in FIG. 8. Alternatively, the chemical tube 120 is lowered downto the soil surface or below the soil surface. The lowering is performedby electronic or hydraulic command or manual levers. In this example,other delivery tubes (e.g. for anhydrous ammonia, wet chemicals, orother types of solid chemicals) are positioned between the chemical tube120 and the boot blade 150.

FIG. 9 depicts a side view of another example opener/closer system 40having a soil opener disk 100 (not shown), boot or scraper blade 150,delivery tubes (e.g. 120), and soil closing disks 114. The chemical tube120 is over 60% vertical with respect to surface of the ground. Theoutlet lip 122 makes an angle of about 10-15 degrees from the surface ofthe ground. The other smaller delivery tubes (e.g. for anhydrousammonia, wet chemicals, or other types of solid chemicals) arepositioned between the chemical tube 120 and the boot blade 150. In thisexample, the output of the other smaller chemical tubes point away fromthe (large) chemical tube outlet 122. The upper part of the chemicaltube 120 is bent towards the soil opener disk 100 (opposite thedirection of vehicle travel 60) and then straightens out to vertical.The chemical tube 120 is mounted to either a rear frame member 110, thedepth adjuster 104, the yoke 116, or a rear extension of the boot 150.In operation, the chemical tube 120 releases solid chemicals near thesoil surface as shown in FIG. 9. Alternatively, the chemical tube 120 islowered farther down to the soil surface or below the soil surface. Insome embodiments, the lowering is performed by electronic or hydraulicfeedback or manual levers.

FIG. 10 depicts a side view of another example opener/closer system 40having a soil opener disk 100 (not shown), boot or scraper blade 150,delivery tubes (e.g. 120), and soil closing disks 114. The chemical tubeinlet 124 is vertical with respect to the ground and then kinks towardsthe soil opener disk 100 (opposite the direction of vehicle travel 60),curves and then straightens out to vertical. The chemical tube outlet122 lip is horizontal and parallel with respect to the surface of theground. The other smaller delivery tubes (e.g. for anhydrous ammonia,wet chemicals, or other types of solid chemicals) are positioned betweenthe chemical tube 120 and the boot blade 150. In this example, theoutput of the other smaller chemical tubes point away from the (large)chemical tube outlet 122. The chemical tube 120 is mounted or welded toeither a rear frame member 110, the depth adjuster 104, the yoke 116, ora rear extension of the boot 150. In operation, the chemical tube 120releases solid chemicals near the soil surface as shown in FIG. 10.Alternatively, the chemical tube 120 is lowered farther down to the soilsurface or below the soil surface. In some embodiments, the lowering isperformed by electronic and/or hydraulic command or manual levers.

FIG. 11 depicts a back rear view of the example opener/closer system 40in FIG. 10 having a soil opener disk 100 (not shown), boot or scraperblade 150, delivery tubes (e.g. 120), and soil closing disks 114. Thechemical tube inlet 124 is vertical with respect to the ground and thenkinks towards the soil opener disk 100 (opposite the direction ofvehicle travel 60), curves and then straightens out to vertical. Theupper section of the chemical tube 120 curves out towards the soilclosing disk such that the chemical tube 120 does not entirely liewithin a single plane.

FIG. 12 depicts a side view of another example opener/closer system 40having a soil opener disk 100 (not shown), boot or scraper blade 150,delivery tubes (e.g. 120), and soil closing disks 114. The chemical tube120 is curved, having a vertical inlet section, followed by a curvesection that is approximately 50 to 60 degrees from the horizontal, andthen curving to a lower section that is nearly vertical with respect tothe surface of the ground. The chemical tube 120 embodiment of FIG. 12is similar to that of FIG. 8, but the tube length is longer and thecurvature is gentler. The lower outlet lip 122 of the chemical tube 120is at 45 to 50 degree edge relative to the surface of the ground. Theoutlet lip 122 comes to a point on the side near the other chemicaltubes 120 and the scraper blade 150. The chemical tube 120 is locatedbehind a soil boot blade 150 (opposite the direction of vehicle travel60). The chemical tube 120 is welded to or mounted to either a rearframe member 110, the depth adjuster 104, the yoke 116, or a rearextension of the boot 150. In this example figure, the closing diskhappens to be lowered down relative to example shown in FIG. 8. Inoperation, the chemical tube 120 releases solid chemicals from above thesoil surface as shown in FIG. 12. Alternatively, the chemical tube 120is lowered down to the soil surface or below the soil surface. In someembodiments, the lowering is performed by electronic command orhydraulic feedback or manual levers.

FIG. 13 depicts a side view of another example opener/closer system 40having a soil opener disk 100 (not shown), boot or scraper blade 150,delivery tubes (e.g. 120), and soil closing disks 114, that are similarto that of FIG. 12. The curvature of the chemical tube 120 in FIG. 13includes more pronounced bends as compared the smoother curves, morerounded bends of the chemical tube 120 shown in FIG. 12. For example,the chemical tube 120 in FIG. 13 includes straight sections followed byan angular turn (about 120 to 130 degrees) to the next straight section.The lower outlet lip 122 of the chemical tube 120 is at 45 to 50 degreeedge relative to the surface of the ground. The outlet lip 122 comes toa point on the side near the other chemical tubes 120 and the scraperblade 150. The chemical tube 120 is located behind a soil boot blade 150(opposite the direction of vehicle travel 60). The chemical tube 120 iswelded or mounted to either a rear frame member 110, the depth adjuster104, the yoke 116, or a rear extension of the boot 150. In operation,the chemical tube 120 releases solid chemicals from above the soilsurface as shown in FIG. 13. Alternatively, the chemical tube 120 islowered down to the soil surface or below the soil surface. The loweringis performed by electronic command or hydraulic feedback or manuallevers.

FIG. 14 depicts a side view of another example opener/closer system 40having a soil opener disk 100 (not shown), boot or scraper blade 150,delivery tubes (e.g. 120), and soil closing disks 114. The chemical tubeinlet 124 is approximately 10-20 degrees from vertical, and is outsidethe rear of the frame and frame members of the chemical delivery system10 or opener/closer system 40. The chemical tube 120 in FIG. 14 includesstraight sections followed by an angular turn (about 100 to 120 degrees)to the next straight section. The lowest section of the chemical tube120 is vertical with respect to the surface of the ground. The loweroutlet lip 122 of the chemical tube 120 is parallel relative to thesurface of the ground. The chemical tube 120 is located behind a soilboot blade 150 (opposite the direction of vehicle travel 60). Thechemical tube 120 is welded or mounted to either a frame member 110, thedepth adjuster 104, the yoke 116, or a rear extension of the boot 150.As an alternative to FIG. 14, since the top of the chemical tube 120 isalready external to the delivery system 10, the chemical tube 120 aswell as the other tubes are all positioned more externally rearward andcloser to the soil closing disk 114 or device so that deliveredchemicals are immediately covered by soil. In operation, the chemicaltube 120 releases solid chemicals from above the soil surface as shownin FIG. 14. Alternatively, the chemical tube 120 is lowered down to thesoil surface or below the soil surface. In some embodiments, thelowering is performed by electronic command or hydraulic feedback ormanual levers.

FIG. 15 depicts a side view of another example opener/closer system 40having a soil opener disk 100 (not shown), boot or scraper blade 150,delivery tubes (e.g. 120), and soil closing disks 114. The chemical tube120 in FIG. 15 is similar to that in FIG. 14, where the chemical tubeinlet 124 points away (about 30-40 degrees away) from the opener/closersystem 40 and is outside the rear of the frame and frame members 110 ofthe system 40. The chemical tube 120 in FIG. 15 bends from side to side(occupies more width) relative to the direction of travel so that thetube 120 weaves to one side of the rear frame member 110 relative to thewalking beam for the closing wheel. By contrast, in FIG. 14, thechemical tube 120 occupies one side of the walking beam and the rearframe member 110 such that the chemical tube 120 lies mostly on a plane.

FIGS. 16, 17 and 20 depict a side view of additional examples of theopener/closer system 40 having a soil opener disk 100 (not shown), bootor scraper blade 150, delivery tubes (e.g. 120), and soil closing disks114. The chemical tubes 120 shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 are similar to thatin FIG. 8, but are positioned lower down towards the ground relative tothe entire chemical delivery assembly. In yet other embodiments, thechemical tube 120 have other angles of curvature. For example, insteadof a beveled chemical tube outlet 122, the section of the tube 120 nearthe outlet curves downward and the lip of the outlet is parallel ornearly flush with the surface of the ground (e.g. lower end of thechemical tube 120 in FIG. 15). In other alternatives, the relativelengths of the swedged to non-swedged sections (or flared to non-flaredsections) are different so that some chemical tubes 120 have a longersection with a circular cross section than an oval cross section. Forexample, FIGS. 20 and 21 are similar but the chemical tubes 120 havedifferent lengths of the non-swedged sections.

FIG. 18 depicts a side view of another example opener/closer system 40having a soil opener disk 100 (not shown), boot or scraper blade 150,delivery tubes (e.g. 120), and soil closing disks 114. The chemical tube120 is a straight section with little curvature except the sectionalportion where the tube 120 transitions from having a circular crosssection to an ellipse cross section. The chemical tube inlet 124 matesto another tube (“delivery tube” or hose) that delivers chemicals to thechemical tube 120. The delivery tube or hose receives its chemicals fromthe chemical hopper. Otherwise, the chemical tube 120 and the deliverytube to which it is mated, are positioned approximately 35-40 degreesfrom vertical, and together both are outside the rear of the frame andframe members 110 of the chemical delivery system 10 or opener/closersystem 40. The lowest section of the chemical tube 120 is beveled withrespect to the surface of the ground. The lower outlet lip 122 of thechemical tube 120 is pointed on the side closest to the boot or scraper150. The chemical tube 120 is located following a soil boot blade 150(opposite the direction of vehicle travel 60). The chemical tube 120 iswelded or mounted to either the rear frame member 110, the depthadjuster 104, the yoke 116, or a rear extension of the boot 150.Alternatively, the chemical tube 120 is fitted tightly to the deliverytube and the delivery tube is welded to the frame member 110.

FIG. 19 depicts a side view of another example opener/closer system 40having a soil opener disk 100 (not shown), boot or scraper blade 150,delivery tubes (e.g. 120), and soil closing disks 114. The chemical tubeinlet 124 is approximately 10-20 degrees from vertical, and is outsidethe rear of the frame and frame members 110 of the chemical deliverysystem 10 or opener/closer system 40. The chemical tube 120 in FIG. 19includes straight sections followed by an angular turn (about 100 to 120degrees) to the next straight section. The lowest section of thechemical tube 120 is vertical with respect to the surface of the ground.The lower outlet lip 122 of the chemical tube 120 is parallel relativeto the surface of the ground. The chemical tube 120 is located behind asoil boot blade 150 (opposite the direction of vehicle travel 60). Thechemical tube 120 is welded to or mounted to either the rear framemember 110, the depth adjuster 104, the yoke 116, or a rear extension ofthe boot 150.

In example operation, the embodiments for seeders or nutrient/chemicalapplicators include a tractor or other vehicle that tows the chemicaldelivery systems 10, opener/closer systems 40 and large chemical hopper20 and other possible chemical storage tanks. Alternatively, smallindividual hoppers carrying chemicals may be substituted for one largehopper 20; individual small hoppers are mounted on top of each chemicaldelivery system 10 or on top of a gang of the systems 10. In the case ofhopper 20, it may be pre-loaded with dry chemicals 22 or fertilizers. Atthe bottom of hopper 20, there are ducts or release holes for chemicals22 to drop downwards. Augers 26 at the bottom of or underneath thehoppers 20 rotate or push the chemicals 22 through the ducts towards anair combiner 28. The air combiners 28 are below the augers 26 and hopper20; in other embodiments, they are positioned adjacent to the hopper 20.Air combiner 28 includes chambers or orifices where the chemicals 22 andairflow meet. Fans such as at the back of the hopper 20 blow air thatenters the air combiner 28 to move the chemicals 22 from hopper 20towards manifolds and distribution conduits 30. Near the end of thedistribution conduits 30, the blown air is eventually separated out andreleased into the atmosphere after the chemicals 22 are well on theirway towards the final inlet or upper portion of individual chemicaltubes such as the chemical tube 120. Often simultaneously, butseparately, a liquid chemical tank services and supplies anhydrousammonia through manifolds and pipes to fertilizer tubes 140. In the caseof ammonia, the tank is refrigerated. By contrast, the dry chemicalhopper 20 is often left at atmospheric temperature. Meanwhile, withinthe opener/closer system 40, the opener disk 100 cuts a furrow in thesoil as the vehicle moves forward in the travel direction 60. Thechemicals 22 are released from the various tubes. For example, thechemical tube 120 ejects a dry fertilizer (e.g. phosphorous, potassium),and the fertilizer tube 140 and pipette ejects a wet fertilizer (e.g.anhydrous ammonia). The dry fertilizer is released from the chemicaltubes 120 in the furrow at a depth and horizontal distance that is close(within four inches) to the wet or other types of chemicals. The wetfertilizer is conveyed through a tube 140 arrangement that passes alonga wall of the boot/scrapper 150, and then to the furrow. The soilpenetration of the boot 150 (furrow depth) is controlled by a depthadjuster 104 that sets the position of the gauge wheel 106 in relationto the boot 150 and the opener disk 100. Both the liquid and drychemicals are deposited within a few inches under the soil surface. Inother examples, the furrow is dug deeper for certain types of chemicals,or for time-release type of chemicals. A tail 152 is attached to a rearbottom of the boot 150 to help prevent the anhydrous gases from escapingbefore the closing wheels close soil over the furrow. The soil closingdisks 114 then pushes soil over the furrow as quickly as possible toprevent the chemicals' vapors or anhydrous ammonia from escaping orblowing away.

Due to space restrictions in the confines of the chemical deliverysystem 10, it is not easy to route a dry chemical (e.g. fertilizer)conveying tube 120 with an efficient path to an optimum location in thefurrow. As the delivery point of the dry chemical moves farther awayfrom and behind the delivery point of the wet chemicals, the closingdisks may already start to close the furrow and thus the dry chemical isnot deposited at a desired depth or location. Accordingly, in manyembodiments, the dry and wet chemical tubes 120 are shaped, curved andpositioned so as to run in parallel or adjacent to one another, andtheir respective outlets are positioned in close proximity (less thanfour inches). Further, the same tube configuration depicted in FIG. 5can be manufactured using various materials. For example, FIGS. 22 and23 depict example upper portions of a delivery tube 200 made of aman-made material such as polymers or composites (e.g. fiberglass orcarbon fiber and plastics). Manufacturing methods for both tube sections200 include injection molding or 3-D printing. Injection molding of thetube section 200 may form the tube from two or more pieces and thenplastic welding or heating joins the pieces together. To improve thealignment and locking together the pieces, mated protrusions 206 and 208exist on an outer surface of the tube sections 200, as shown in FIG. 22.By contrast, the version in FIG. 23 includes a mating scheme where oneedge surface of one piece wraps over the other piece along the long axisof the tube 120. The tube sections 200 also include extensions 202 and210 with apertures 204 and 212, respectively, to help secure the tubesections 200 to the rest of the chemical delivery system 10. If thepolymer or composite tubes 200 are substituted for the metallic versionin FIG. 5, the dimensions can be kept the same. Like the version in FIG.5, the upper cross section or opening 224 in FIG. 22 or 23 is round, butthe lower opening is oval or spout shaped to help place the dryfertilizer in a narrower soil trench opening.

Finally, the orientation and directions stated and illustrated in thisdisclosure should not be taken as limiting. Many of the orientationsstated in this disclosure and claims are with reference to the directionof travel of the equipment. But, the directions, e.g. “behind,” aremerely illustrative and do not orient the embodiments absolutely inspace. That is, a structure manufactured on its “side” or “bottom” ismerely an arbitrary orientation in space that has no absolute direction.Also, in actual usage, for example, the equipment may be operated orpositioned at an angle because the implements may move in manydirections on a hill; and then, “top” is pointing to the “side.” Thus,the stated directions in this application may be arbitrary designations.

In the present disclosure, the descriptions and example embodimentsshould not be viewed as limiting. Rather, there are variations andmodifications that may be made without departing from the scope of theappended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A chemical delivery system comprising: a groundworking implement frame coupled to an opener-closer system; theopener-closer system having a cutting-edge that creates a furrow in asoil; a tube mounted to the opener-closer system following thecutting-edge of the opener-closer system and arranged rearwardly andproximate a tail member of a boot or scraper; the tube having an inletwith a circular cross section of a uniform radius; the tube having anoutlet with an oval cross section that is positioned behind a dispensingopening of a liquid chemical tube arranged forward of the tail member ofthe boot or scraper relative to a direction of travel; between the inletand the outlet, a cross section of the tube transitions from circular tooval, wherein a diameter of the cross section of the outlet is smallerin size than a rear edge width of the tail member; and the tubepositioned in the opener-closer system to dispense chemicals into thesoil.
 2. The chemical delivery system of claim 1, further comprising: ahopper integrated with the ground-working implement frame, wherein thehopper stores dry chemicals; a chamber below the hopper, wherein the drychemicals and air combine; a distribution conduit that receives the drychemicals air-blown from the chamber; the inlet coupled to thedistribution conduit to receive the dry chemicals.
 3. The chemicaldelivery system of claim 1, wherein the tube is positioned so that allsections of the tube are within a 45 degree angle from vertical.
 4. Thedelivery system of claim 1, wherein dimensions of the tube include thecircular cross section having an outer diameter of at least 30 mm, andthe oval cross section having a major axis diameter of at least 35 mmand a minor axis diameter of at least 22 mm.
 5. The chemical deliverysystem of claim 1, further comprising: a hopper integrated with theground-working implement frame, wherein the hopper stores dry chemicals;and wherein the hopper rests on a platform supported by two roundwheels.
 6. A chemical delivery system comprising: a ground workingimplement frame coupled to an opener-closer system; the opener-closersystem having a cutting-edge that forms part of a disk and creates afurrow in a soil; a tube mounted to the opener-closer system followingthe cutting-edge of the opener-closer system and arranged rearwardly andproximate a tail member of a boot or scraper pressed against the disk;the tube having an inlet with a circular cross section of a uniformradius; the tube having an outlet with an oval cross section; betweenthe inlet and the outlet, a cross section of the tube transitions fromcircular to oval, wherein a diameter of the cross section of the outletis smaller in size than a rear edge width of the tail member; and thetube positioned in the opener-closer system to dispense chemicals intothe soil.
 7. The chemical delivery system of claim 6, furthercomprising: a hopper integrated with the ground-working implement frame,wherein the hopper stores dry chemicals; a chamber below the hopper,wherein the dry chemicals and air combine; a distribution conduit thatreceives the dry chemicals air-blown from the chamber; the inlet coupledto the distribution conduit to receive the dry chemicals.
 8. Thedelivery system of claim 6, wherein dimensions of the tube include thecircular cross section having an outer diameter of at least 30 mm, andthe oval cross section having a major axis diameter of at least 35 mmand a minor axis diameter of at least 22 mm.
 9. The chemical deliverysystem of claim 6, further comprising: a hopper integrated with theground-working implement frame, wherein the hopper stores dry chemicals;and wherein the hopper rests on a platform supported by two roundwheels.
 10. A nutrient applicator comprising: a soil opener tool; asteel tube mounted following the soil opener tool on a side of animplement frame opposite that of an outer closing disk; the steel tubehaving an inlet end with a circular cross section of a uniform radiusand an upper portion arranged to extend beyond a peripheral edge of ahose clamp mounted to the implement frame; the steel tube having anoutlet end with an ellipse cross section that is positioned behind adispensing opening of a liquid chemical tube arranged forward of a tailmember of a boot or scraper relative to a direction of travel; betweenthe inlet and the outlet ends, a cross section of the steel tubetransitions from circular to elliptical; and the steel tube ispositioned about 45 degrees from vertical to dispense dry chemicals intoa soil.
 11. The nutrient applicator of claim 10, wherein dimensions ofthe steel tube include the circular cross section having an outerdiameter of over 30 mm, and the ellipse cross section having a majoraxis diameter of over 30 mm and a minor axis diameter of over 20 mm. 12.The nutrient applicator of claim 10, wherein an upper length of thesteel tube is over 100 mm before the cross section of the tube swedgesfrom circular to elliptical.
 13. The nutrient applicator of claim 10,wherein a total straightened length of the tube is over 600 mm from endto end.
 14. The nutrient applicator of claim 10, further comprising animplement frame towing multiple soil opener-closer systems and a hopper,wherein the hopper supplies chemicals to the multiple soil opener-closersystems by an air blowing mechanism; and the soil opener tool is mountedin the multiple soil opener-closer systems.
 15. A chemical deliverysystem comprising: a tube arranged rearwardly and proximate a tailmember of a boot or scraper; the tube having an inlet with a circularcross section of a uniform radius; the tube having an outlet with anellipse cross section that is positioned behind a dispensing opening ofa liquid chemical tube arranged forward of the tail member of the bootor scraper relative to a direction of travel, wherein a diameter of theellipse cross section of the outlet is smaller in size than a rear edgewidth of the tail member; between the inlet and the outlet, a crosssection of the tube swedges or injection-molds from a circle to anellipse; and the tube being dimensioned to dispense dry chemicals fromthe outlet into a soil.
 16. The chemical delivery system of claim 15,further comprising a soil opener-closer system wherein the tube ispositioned to a rear of a soil cutting blade of the soil opener-closersystem.
 17. The chemical delivery system of claim 16, wherein the tubeis positioned so that all sections of the tube are vertically steeperthan a 45 degree angle away from a surface of the soil.
 18. The chemicaldelivery system of claim 15, wherein the tube is attached to a rearframe member of a nutrient applicator or a soil tillage vehicle.
 19. Thechemical delivery system of claim 15, wherein dimensions of the tubeinclude the circular cross section having an outer diameter of about30-34 mm, and the ellipse cross section having a major axis diameter ofabout 35-38 mm and a minor axis diameter of about 22-25mm.
 20. Thechemical delivery system of claim 15, wherein an upper length of thetube is about 148-152 mm before the cross section of the tube swedges.21. The chemical delivery system of claim 15, wherein a tip to tiplength of the tube is about 559-563 mm.
 22. The chemical delivery systemof claim 15, wherein a composition of the tube includes steel.
 23. Anutrient applicator comprising: a soil opener tool; a steel tube mountedfollowing the soil opener tool on a side of an implement frame oppositethat of an outer closing disk; the soil opener tool having acutting-edge that forms part of a disk that is pressed against a boot orscraper; the steel tube having an inlet end with a circular crosssection of a uniform radius and an upper portion arranged to extendbeyond a peripheral edge of a hose clamp mounted to the implement frame;the steel tube having an outlet end with an ellipse cross section;between the inlet and the outlet ends, a cross section of the steel tubetransitions from circular to elliptical; and the steel tube ispositioned about 45 degrees from vertical to dispense dry chemicals intoa soil.
 24. The nutrient applicator of claim 23, wherein dimensions ofthe steel tube include the circular cross section having an outerdiameter of over 30 mm, and the ellipse cross section having a majoraxis diameter of over 30 mm and a minor axis diameter of over 20 mm. 25.The nutrient applicator of claim 23, wherein an upper length of thesteel tube is over 100 mm before the cross section of the tube swedgesfrom circular to elliptical.
 26. The nutrient applicator of claim 23,wherein a total straightened length of the tube is over 600 mm from endto end.
 27. The nutrient applicator of claim 23, further comprising animplement frame towing multiple soil opener-closer systems and a hopper,wherein the hopper supplies chemicals to the multiple soil opener-closersystems by an air blowing mechanism; and the soil opener tool is mountedin the multiple soil opener-closer systems.
 28. A chemical deliverysystem comprising: a tube arranged rearwardly and proximate a tailmember of a boot or scraper pressed against a disk that forms part of acutting-edge of a soil cutting blade; the tube having an inlet with acircular cross section of a uniform radius; the tube having an outletwith an ellipse cross section, wherein a diameter of the ellipse crosssection of the outlet is smaller in size than a rear edge width of thetail member; between the inlet and the outlet, a cross section of thetube swedges or injection-molds from a circle to an ellipse; and thetube being dimensioned to dispense dry chemicals from the outlet into asoil.
 29. The chemical delivery system of claim 28, wherein the soilcutting blade is arranged in a soil opener-closer system, and whereinthe tube is positioned to a rear of the soil cutting blade of the soilopener-closer system.
 30. The chemical delivery system of claim 28,wherein the tube is attached to a rear frame member of a nutrientapplicator or a soil tillage vehicle.
 31. The chemical delivery systemof claim 30, wherein the tube is positioned so that all sections of thetube are vertically steeper than a 45 degree angle away from a surfaceof the soil.
 32. The chemical delivery system of claim 28, whereindimensions of the tube include the circular cross section having anouter diameter of about 30-34 mm, and the ellipse cross section having amajor axis diameter of about 35-38 mm and a minor axis diameter of about22-25 mm.
 33. The chemical delivery system of claim 28, wherein an upperlength of the tube is about 148-152 mm before the cross section of thetube swedges.
 34. The chemical delivery system of claim 28, wherein atip to tip length of the tube is about 559-563 mm.
 35. The chemicaldelivery system of claim 28, wherein a composition of the tube includessteel.